Hot and spicy, the cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a member of the Capsicum family of vegetables, which you may know better as chili peppers. The pepper got its name because it was cultivated in a town named Cayenne in French Guiana in South America.
Cayenne pepper, which is also known as African pepper, capsicum fruit, grains of paradise, and Zanzibar pepper, is hot and spicy largely because it has a high concentration of a substance called capsaicin. In scientific circles capsaicin is largely recognized for its pain-reducing abilities. It has also, however, demonstrated a talent for helping kill cancer cells, including prostate cancer cells.
Cayenne and Prostate Cancer
What has research shown us about cayenne (capsaicin) and prostate health?
- In a laboratory study published in 2007, scientists found that capsaicin slowed growth of prostate cancer cells and encouraged them to “commit suicide” (apoptosis). (Sanchez 2007)
- In a more recent study (April 2009), Italian researchers reported that capsaicin can induce apoptosis (cell destruction) in prostate cancer cells. (Ziglioli 2009)
- A study performed at the University of California, Los Angeles, showed capsaicin to have what the researchers called a “profound antiproliferatgive effect on prostate cancer cells,” inducing cell suicide and leading them to note that capsaicin “may have a role in the management of prostate cancer.” (Mori 2006)
Researchers who conducted a study at Nottingham University and published it in 2007 reported that they found how and why capsaicin kills cancer cells: it attacks the mitochondria, the energy-generating portion of cells. The family of molecules to which capsaicin belongs, called the vanilloids, attach to proteins in the cancer cell mitochondria and trigger apoptosis without harming the surrounding healthy cells. (Athanasiou 2007)
Other Benefits of Capsaicin
The capsaicin in cayenne pepper has also been credited with cardiovascular benefits because it can prevent the free radical damage that can lead to atherosclerosis, as well as reduce triglyceride levels and platelet aggregation (which can lead to blood clots). Capsaicin has also been shown to help prevent ulcers, reduce damage that can lead to colon cancer and diabetic complications, and help to open and drain congested nasal passages.
Capsaicin also inhibits substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammation. The hotter the chili pepper, the more capsaicin it contains, and so its ability to inhibit inflammation is greater as well. The hottest varieties include habanero and Scotch bonnet, as well as cayenne peppers and jalapenos.
Capsaicin/Cayenne in Your Diet
Eating hot chili peppers every day is a pretty tall ask even for the most hardened stomachs and mouths. One suggestion is to keep a shaker of cayenne on your table and to use it as a flavor enhancer instead of salt. In The Prostate Diet you will also find recipes that incorporate cayenne as well as a recipe for the Cayenne Lemon Cleanse. This beverage should be a part of your general prostate health detoxification and enjoyed as much as possible. Capsaicin supplements are also available and are an easy way to get this cancer killing vegetable in your diet.
7 Other Ways to get Capsaicin/Cayenne in your Diet
- Salsa (look for brands that contain chili peppers; most tomato and vegetable based salsas do)
- Enchilada sauce
- Habanero hot sauces
- Tabasco sauce
- Grilled and/or stuffed chili peppers (poblanos are a mild chili pepper often used for these purposes)
- Add cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers to vegetables, chili, soups, stews, stuffing, sandwiches, and salads. Chili peppers range from mild (e.g., poblanos, Hungarian cherry peppers) to medium to fire engine hot! (e.g., jalapenos, Scotch bonnet, habaneros.
- Try a Mexican touch by shaking some cayenne into a cup of hot cocoa
